Things to Do on Christmas Week in Austin
Things to Do on Christmas Week in Austin
Free Christmas Events Austin
Austin Christmas-Related Events
Holiday Events for Kids
Festive Fun for Adults
There’s so much to do in Austin this Christmas week! People of all ages have something to look forward to, whether it’s a bazaar, dazzling lights, or epic parties.
They’ll have free events you won’t have to spend a dime for. These include the Johnson City Lights Spectacular and Trail of Lights in Austin.
If you’re looking to go out for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the city has a slew of events, like Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland and the Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Menu.
Families and kids even have plenty to do this holiday season, such as visiting the Peppermint Parkway and watching A Christmas Carol live on stage!
We’ve even included epic New Year’s celebrations on the list, including 80s and 90s parties.
Check out the full list below!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our articles on Christmas Lights in Austin, Restaurants Open in Austin on Christmas Eve, and Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas Day!
Free Things to Do on Christmas Week in Austin 2024
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Get some Christmas shopping done early at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. There will be over 200 artists showing off their cool work and crafts. You just might find something a friend will love or something to treat yourself with.
When: Until December 24, 2024 | 10 am – 10 pm
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
How Much: Free to attend
Bastrop River of Lights
Join the official Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bastrop to kick off the holiday season in style. Enjoy festive performances by local choirs, savor delicious holiday treats, and meet Santa Claus himself!
Can’t make the tree lighting? Check out their website for several family-friendly activities happening along the river throughout the holiday season, like Christmas Carol Karaoke and Movie in the Park.
When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 6:00 pm
Where: 1200 Willow St, Bastrop, TX 78602
How much: Free
Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Image credit: Lights Spectacular TX – Hill Country Style Facebook
This holiday season, come down to the “Twinkliest Town in Texas.” With over two million lights in their historic square off Main Street, Memorial Park, and PEC headquarters, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit envelop you.
Bring your friends and family and enjoy some local food, beer, wine, and festivities.
Zilker Holiday Tree
Join the annual Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting, a beloved tradition! This Christmas Tree Lighting Austin features a towering tree illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and starts the evening off with the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. Parking is very limited, so consider carpooling or using rideshare.
When: December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Austin, TX 78746
How much: Free
Trail of Lights in Austin
Image credit: Lakeway Parks & Recreation Department Facebook
Experience the holiday magic at Lakeway’s Trail of Lights! Take an enchanting stroll through the beautifully illuminated trail, open nightly during the holiday season. Tickets go quickly, so make sure to purchase them early!
Parking is also limited, so consider using rideshare or carpooling with your crew.
When: December 6, 2024 – January 1, 2025, 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Where: 1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734
How much: Free
Austin Christmas-Related Events
How Much: $35 for kids under 12; $65 per person
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Image credit: Cirque Musica Facebook
How Much: $44.50 for kids 2 and above; $89.50 for adults
Wimberley Trail of Lights
This free, family-friendly event features dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. The enchanting trail features stunning light displays set across acres of beautiful grounds.
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 – Thursday, December 26, 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 1101 Farm to Market Rd 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
Miracle on 5th Street
Austin’s favorite Christmas cocktail bar is back this holiday season! Line up and get a taste of holiday cheer with your friends.
When: Until December 28, 2024 | 2 pm
Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
How much: Starts at $12.50
2025 Kyle Polar Bear Splash
Start the year with an icy plunge in the James Adkins Pool.
Commemorative shirts will be available for purchase onsite.
When: January 1, 2025
Where: James Adkins Pool, 1100 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
How much: $10
TLC Christmas Takeover!
Image credit: TLC Austin Facebook
TLC is turning into a holiday paradise until New Year’s Day. For weeks on end, they’ll have festive drinks, holiday food specials, snow machines, cookie decorating, holiday arcade games, cocoa bombs, classic movies, light shows, ugly sweaters, visits from Santa, and Christmas carol karaoke!
When: November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Where: TLC, 1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste. #1150, Austin, TX 78704
Western Wonderland Trail of Lights
Wander through the enchanting Trail of Lights, a dazzling display that will leave you breathless with sparkling lights, scenes, and holiday characters. Visit their website to check the calendar for special events like holiday markets, live music performances, and more.
When: Thursday, November 29, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025
Where: 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Luminations
Luminations offers an experience where nature meets artistry with a dazzling display of lights, letting you feel the magic of the holidays.
The Central Gardens will have new light installations, immersive projections, and tasty holiday-themed cocktails.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, so be sure to visit their website to buy them for your visit.
When: Until January 5, 2025 | 5:45 pm
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
How Much: $28 for adults; $13 for kids 3-12; Free for kids under 3
Mozart’s 2024 Lake of Austin Festival of Lights
Image credit: mozartscoffee.com
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and create memories with over one million twinkling lights at Mozart’s annual lights festival!
This event offers a unique twist on holiday markets, featuring wooden chalets, engaging activities, tasty treats, and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate.
There will also be live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, performances on their one-of-a-kind, light-up Steinway piano, and a few other surprise acts!
New this year are small-group experiences, like Lake Austin boat cruises, guided donut boat tours, and private immersive light “euro igloos.”
Parking is limited, so consider carpooling or using rideshare when you attend.
When: Until December 29, 2024 | | 5 pm & 7:30 pm
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How much: Starts at $6.40
Longhorn Nights
The University of Texas at Austin invites you to Longhorn Nights, a community celebration this holiday season full of spectacular lights.
Ogle at the nine miles of orange and white twinkling lights dancing to your favorite holiday tunes and music by the Longhorn Band.
When: Until January 1, 2024 | 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Austin, TX 78705, USAAsian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
How Much: Free
Holiday Events for Kids
Gingerbread Workshops: Tinker Tots Edition
Babies will have a jolly good time at Thinkery this Christmas weekend. In this Gingerbread Workshop, families with toddlers will create delightful gingerbread houses with cardboard!
They’ll have plenty of festive materials on hand so you can make a merry and bright creation!
When: Monday, December 23, 2024 | 8 am & 9:30 am
Where: Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
How Much: $15
Peppermint Parkway
Image credit: Peppermint Parkway Facebook
Make your holidays a little bit sweeter with a visit to Peppermint ParkwayA! Drive through over a mile of stunning light displays and animated characters.
You’ll then be greeted by a plaza full of food, rides, and activities!
When: Until December 29, 2024 | 7 pm
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
How Much: Starts at $45
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is on of the most, if not the most, beloved Christmas story out there. Bring your family and friends to the Topfer at ZACH Theater to see this magical story come to life on stage.
Follow how Scrooge finds the true meaning of Christmas in this re-imagined tale with fresh songs and enchanting twists.
With its tenth anniversary, Austin’s ultimate holiday tradition celebrates with special extras, like commemorative tickets and experiences, among other surprises!
When: Until December 29, 2024
Where: Topfer Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: Starts at $25
Santa’s Ranch
Image credit: Santa’s Ranch-Drive thru Christmas Light Park Facebook
Ice Rodeo
Everyone of any age will love skating under the stars and overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Add this to your family traditions and have immense fun as you create memories.
When: Until January 5, 2025 | Times vary daily
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $40
Festive Fun for Adults
Festivus Dance Party
The Festivus season is ending with a massive dance party! Slip on your dancing shoes, call friends and family, and move the night away. Paul Klemperer & The Festivians will play swing, salsa, Motown, and more!
When: Monday, December 23, 2024 | 7 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
How much: Donation
Devil May Christmas: A Holiday Pop-Up
Have a devilishly festive time at Devil May Christmas. Their underground lounge has transformed into an edgy and cozy holiday hideaway– complete with festive vibes and wicked decor.
Drop by and sip on limited-edition cocktails inspired by the season’s boldest flavors.
When: Until December 28, 2024 | 5 pm | 21+
Where: Devil May Care, 500 W 6th St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701
The Nutcracker Pop-Up at Daydreamer Bar
Image credit: daydreamer (@daydreameraustin) Instagram
Call your friends and head over to Daydreamer and their Nutcracker-themed pop-up bar. Decked out in elegant decor and stocked with a themed cocktail menu, Daydreamer is the place to celebrate the holiday season.
When: Until December 30, 2024 | 5 pm | 21+
Where: Daydreamer, 1708 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
The Totally Awesome 80s New Year’s Eve Bash
End the year with a totally gnarly party! The New Year’s Eve bash at Austin Roller Rink will have a plethora of fun stuff like costume contests, retro video games, a karaoke room, a photobooth room, and onsite photography.
Plus, count down to 2025 during the midnight balloon drop!
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 7:30 pm – 1 pm
Where: Austin Roller Rink, 11600 Menchaca Rd #101, Austin, TX 78748
How much: $75, 18+
1990s Hotel Vegas New Year’s Eve
Step into 2025 with the music of the 90s. 20 bands will come together to give you the best of the era, with songs by Oasis, Nirvana, Radiohead, Green Day, Weezer, and more!
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 7 pm
Where: Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, 1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
How much: $40.14, 21+
An Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve
Put on your festive cocktail attire and ring in the New Year in style. Head over to the South Congress Hotel for a New Year’s party with dancing, live music by TC Superstar and DJ sets by King Louie, Who Izzy, and Prissy P.
They’ll also have a fancy photo booth, drink specials, and bubbles flowing until the next year!
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 9 pm – 1 pm
Where: South Congress Hotel, 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
How much: $46-$60, 21+
New Year’s Day Restoration
Kick off the year with a restorative experience at the Shuniya Yoga Collective. Give yourself this time to learn how to get through the new year with a full cup and calm being.
You may bring props you need to support your practice, like mats, water bottles, blankets, blocks, and bolsters.
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025| 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Shuniya Yoga Collective, 1708 Houston St, Austin, TX 78756
How much: $35 (Early bird until December 25, 2024); $40 (Regular); $25 (live stream)
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